CenterLight Family Theatre is the only theatre of its kind in the Midwest to produce major productions each season using American Sign Language and Spoken English simultaneously.  CenterLight gives people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing the opportunity to develop their skills and display their talents.  The Deaf community is able to experience and enjoy live theatre in their own language, while the hearing community experiences a unique form of entertainment.  

Our theatre exposes hearing members of the audience to sign language and Deaf performance styles and gives deaf audience members the opportunity to see a play performed in their own language (ASL) - not just interpreted from the side of a room.  Other theatres may have a sign language interpreter on or near the stage during the performance, which can take the focus away from the action. The actors at CenterLight tell the story themselves through the integrated use of American Sign Language and spoken English.
Our lead actors, who are deaf and hard of hearing, choreograph sign language interpretations of lyrics and dialogue into their acting. The hearing actors serve as each role's counterpart by providing voices from the wings or on stage as a peripheral character. 

Located in the northwest Chicago suburb of Northbrook, IL, CenterLight Theatre is easy to get to from neighboring communities or Chicago. Season subscriptions are available.
Currently, ICODA is conducting a Capital Campaign to raise funds for our new home.  We are thrilled that we will have our own 500 seat Theatre which will feature the latest technology to help make the theatre experience enjoyable for all!  In the meantime, CenterLight Family Theatre is only producing one major family musical per year until our new theatre is built.  Interested in finding out how you can help?  Check out our Naming Opportunities and purchase a name plate for one of the seats in the Auditorium! 

For more information, please contact Christine Strejc, Managing Director of Theatre & Dance Programs. 

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